Southampton’s inconsistent start to the season has left the club languishing out of the top 10 in 12th position. 3 wins in 12 matches is far from the desired start the Saints were hoping for.
After a tumultuous summer, that oversaw the arrival of Manuel Pellegrino replacing Claude Puel at the helm of the club and a legal complaint filed against Liverpool over the Virgil Van Dijk saga, the new manager did not get the desired calm and peace required to settle in and implement his philosophy at St. Mary’s.
Southampton oversaw the departure of a few club regulars like Jay Rodriguez, Lloyd Isgrove and Jordy Clasie. Of the new signings, the limelight went to the man arriving from Juventus, Mario Lemina.
The Saints’ star defender Van Dijk was set to leave the club, having handed in a transfer request. Liverpool and Chelsea were two of the many clubs interested in securing the Dutch defender’s service.
Liverpool’s move was a little too aggressive for Southampton’s liking and they went on to take legal action against the Merseyside club, thereby formally putting an end to Liverpool’s attempt to sign the defender.
However, their luck on the field is yet to turn with the club failing to show their form of the last few years. A mere 14 goals in 12 matches is not enough for a side hoping to finish in the top half of the table.
It is now being reported that Southampton are looking to bring in former Watford striker Odion Ighalo. He moved to the Chinese super league in the summer and earns a mammoth £190,000 per week there. However, many clubs including Southampton are looking to bring him back to England.
He has always been open about a possible return to the Premier League.
“On a personal level, it is good money for me but if I had my way I would love to stay in the Premier League,” he said at the time of his transfer. “I have my family here, the kids are in school here, they have their friends here and getting that stability is never easy when you keep moving your family. But what can we do? Life goes on.”
It has provided a club like Southampton with an ideal opportunity to snap up the talented striker.
The Saints’ options up front have not clicked, leaving them pondering for a new striker who can bang in goals. A move for the former Watford man might just be the late boost Southampton needs to kickstart their season.
